Sailing refers to the sport of operating or riding in a sailboat, and sailinghas contributed to many great explorations in the world. Today many people sail for pleasure for example on short trips across a bay, day sailing, coastal cruising and more extended cruising. Others enjoy the sport of sailboat racing, which is governed by the International Sailing Federation.

A sailing competition is known as a 
regatta
, and usually consists of multiple individual races, where the boat that performs best in each race is the overall winner. The costs of participating in the high end large boat competitions make this type of sailing one of the most expensive sports in the world. In some cases sailing is also considered an extreme sport, and ocean races such as the 
Volvo Ocean Race
, the solo 
VELUX 5 Oceans Race
, and the non-stop solo 
Vendée Globe
, rate as some of the most extreme and dangerous sporting events.

Keynote speakers on the topic of sailing have first-hand experience with sailing and understand the dynamics of sailing in open waters and competing in international races. Keynotes can also focus on the importance of teamwork and communication, which is essential in the world of sailing.